Cornell Big Red at Penn State Nittany Lions Free Prediction 12/29/19

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The 20th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2) welcome the Cornell Big Red (1-9) to Bryce Jordan Center. The Big Red can snap a seven-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Cornell Big Red at Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Odds

In their last outing, the Nittany Lions won big over the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils, 87-58, while the Big Red were beaten by the Hartford Hawks, 80-76.

Penn State played a nearly perfect game. They had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.504) and a free throw rate of 0.180 (below their season average of 0.226). Central Connecticut State was 0.395 and 0.145, respectively, for those same stats. Cornell, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4 (above their season average of 28.9). Penn State received a boost from Myreon Jones, who finished with 21 points and five assists. Jimmy Boeheim had a solid performance for Cornell, recording 26 points.

This contest should be a showdown of conflicting styles. Penn State has preferred a fast-paced style of play (47th in possessions per game), while Cornell has been more half-court-oriented (324th in possessions per game). Furthermore, the 262nd-ranked offense of the Big Red (offensive efficiency of 98.9) will face off against the 54th-ranked defense of the Nittany Lions (defensive efficiency of 90.4).

Cornell Big Red vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Penn State ranks 19th in rebounds per game (41.4) while Cornell ranks 173rd (34.7).
  • The Nittany Lions average 26.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 43rd in the nation. The Big Red rank 153rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
  • Penn State ranks 21st in steals per game (9.3) while Cornell ranks 103rd (6.8).
  • The Nittany Lions rank third in blocks per game (6.7) while the Big Red rank 148th (2.3).
  • Penn State averages 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 32nd in the NCAA. Cornell ranks 148th in assists allowed per game (13.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Nittany Lions have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (2.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
  • The Big Red’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 4.5 for the season.